Wowsers
/ˈwaʊzəz/noun
People regarded as excessively prudish or censorious, especially about alcohol, sex, or entertainment.
Did you know?The slang term is strongly associated with Australia and New Zealand, but its exact origin is disputed; early explanations connect it with moralistic reformers and the exclamation “wow.”
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
Australian English
wowser
“A slang term for a person considered excessively strict or puritanical; the exact formation is uncertain.”
1890s
Australian English
wowser
“A censorious reformer, especially one campaigning against alcohol and other perceived social vices.”
Early 20th Century
New Zealand English
wowser
“A prudish or moralistic person; the term spread beyond Australian usage.”
20th Century
English
wowsers
“Plural form referring to such people collectively.”
Modern English
English
wowsers
“People seen as joyless, puritanical, or aggressively censorious.”